Abu Dhabi airport glitch halts flights

ABU DHABI: Dozens of flights to the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi were diverted yesterday after a technical malfunction during heavy fog led authorities to stop accepting incoming planes.

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, said all morning flights were redirected because of a “technical failure of the runway landing systems.” The airport authority cited only operational challenges posed by low visibility conditions.

The malfunction happened as dense fog descended over much of the country, snarling traffic during the morning commute. The airport in Dubai, the region’s busiest air hub, reported delays but remained operational.

Abu Dhabi airport said 37 flights were diverted to several regional airports, some as far away as Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and Muscat, Oman.